Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Turkish President Abdullah Gul during a joint press conference with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday in Jakarta stated his country`s readiness to be a partner of ASEAN.

"We are very interested in working closely with ASEAN because the organization represents a huge population undergoing positive economic growth," the Turkish leader said.

Meanwhile, President Yudhoyono stated Indonesia`s position as ASEAN`s Chairman this year would support the Turkish government`s intention to cooperate with the organization as what had been conducted by other countries such as the United States, Japan and China.

President Gul is scheduled to be in Indonesia until April 6, 2011.

Earlier, President Yudhoyono and President Gul witnessed the signing of an MoU on consular and diplomatic matters as well as cooperation in handling natural disasters.

Also in the Turkish president`s entourage are Home Affairs Minister Mehmet Aydin, Agriculture Minister Mehdi Eker and a parliament member Yasar Yakis.

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Editor: Jafar M Sidik
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